Method for transferring component tape information to a component mounting machine and means therefore

ABSTRACT

A method of transferring component tape information to a component mounting machine, a tape guide for guiding a component tape in a component mounting machine, and a tape magazine for receiving the tape guide. The tape guide is arranged for quick and ready attachment and detachment into and from the component mounting machine. The loading and/or unloading of a component tape into and from the tape guide can be performed away from the component mounting machine. The ability to be releasably mounted is achieved by providing the tape guide with a lock that enables ready and quick attachment and detachment to an interacting lock in a component mounting machine, or in a tape magazine arranged for insertion into a component mounting machine, and a guide for guiding the component tape. The tape guide further includes an identifier for holding the identity of the tape guide, which can be associated with information relating to the component tape.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field ofmanufacture and assembly of circuit boards. More specifically it relatesto a method of transferring component tape information to a componentmounting machine, a tape guide for guiding a component tape in acomponent mounting machine, and a tape magazine for receiving the tapeguide.

[0003] 2. Description of Background Art

[0004] Generally, within the field of manufacture and assembly ofcircuit boards, electronic components are fed to a component mountingmachine for mechanically and/or electrically mounting the componentsonto a circuit board. These surface mounted components are oftendelivered spaced apart along the length of a component tape, whichconsists of a lower carrier tape provided with compartments, one foreach component, and an upper cover, or cover tape or protective tape.After positioning the electronic components in the correspondingcompartments, the cover tape is attached to the carrier tape, and thecomponent tape is wound on a component reel. The attachment of the covertape to the carrier tape can, for instance, be performed by providingeither the cover tape or the carrier tape with adhesive areas, or byfusing the cover tape to the carrier tape. Then, the component reel istransferred to a component mounting machine, which is provided withfeeding mechanisms for feeding a component to a certain predeterminedpicking position where it can be picked, or collected, by a pick-uphead. Alternatively, the component reel can be transferred to acomponent tape magazine, which in turn is inserted into the componentmounting machine. Then, it is generally the magazine that is equippedwith the feeding mechanisms for performing the described feeding of thecomponent tape. WO 86/00778 shows a cassette magazine for a componentmounting machine using the above described method.

[0005] Generally, a circuit board is provided with a wide variety ofdifferent components, and a component mounting machine can be used forthe manufacturing of a variety of different circuit boards. Therefore, asubstantial number of different types of components are provided to acomponent mounting machine, wherein each type of component is containedon a separate component tape. The component mounting machine, or theprocess controlling the machine, must therefore know exactly which typeof component can be found at which picking position in the machine.Traditionally, following the loading of a component tape into acomponent mounting machine or a tape magazine, this is performed bymanually entering the position and the type of component of eachcomponent tape into memory means used by the machine. This timeconsuming process must be performed each time a new component tape isloaded into the machine.

[0006] Furthermore, when entering the position and component typemanually, there is always a considerable risk of entering the wrong typeof component or the wrong position. This would inevitably lead tocircuit boards being erroneously mounted, or lead to a halt in themanufacturing process until the error has been corrected. In recentyears, the use of bar codes has simplified the above-described process.When the component tape has been loaded into its position in a componentmounting machine, the position and the type of components are entered byreading both a bar code provided at each tape position in the machine,and a bar code provided on the component tape reel. Still, this processhas to be repeated each time a new component tape is entered into themachine, and the risk of reading the bar code for an adjacent, incorrectposition in the machine is still there, even though the use of bar codesreduces the risk involved with the above-described process.

[0007] When using a tape magazine, a component tape reel is loaded ateach of a number of different positions in the magazine. Informationregarding the position of the tape reel and the type of componentscontained on the reel is entered into the machine for each position,along with the magazine identity. Thereby, when switching between twomagazines, entering the identity of the new magazine can be sufficient,provided that the positions and type of components of the componenttapes have not changed since the magazine were last used. Any changewould again require the entering of at least the position and thecomponent type.

[0008] It is also preferred if the component mounting machine haveknowledge of have many components there are left on the tape in order tooptimise the mounting process, and to alert in time that a componenttape is about to run out of its components. This information can also beentered manually upon loading a new tape into the machine. Then, themachine could count the number of components that have been picked fromthe tape and, thereby, derive the number of remaining components on thetape. However, if the component tape is removed from the machine, e.g.when replaced by a type of component needed for a particular circuitboard, this information is lost.

[0009] According to the method conventionally used within the art, theloading of a component tape in a component mounting machine involves thefollowing steps. Placing the component tape reel into the tape holder ofa component mounting machine, or into a tape magazine of a componentmounting machine; introducing the free end of the component tape into afeeding mechanism, provided in the machine or in the magazine, such thatfeeding pins engage corresponding holes provided in the component tape;separating, by hand, the end of the cover tape from the end of thecarrier tape for a distance sufficient for the cover tape to be engagedwith a cover tape handling means; and lowering a locking mechanism overthe carrier tape for holding the carrier tape against the feedingmechanism.

[0010] As realised from the above, the loading of a component tape in acomponent mounting machine and the related entering of componentinformation is a time-consuming process that has to be performed everytime a new component has to be added to the circuit board manufacturingprocess, and every time an empty component tape has to be replaced. Theprocess is also connected with a certain element of risk regardingerrors in relation to the more or less manual entering of information.This negatively affects the overall time efficiency of the manufacturingprocess and, hence, the overall costs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide asolution to the problem of time-consuming loading of a component tapeand the related entering of component information into a componentmounting machine.

[0012] A further object of the present invention is to significantlyreduce the risk of errors occurring during the entering of componentinformation into the component mounting machine.

[0013] A still further object of the present invention is to achieve ahigher degree of flexibility related to the loading of component tapesinto a component mounting machine.

[0014] This and other objects are achieved according to the presentinvention by providing a method, a tape guide, and a tape magazinehaving the features defined in the independent claims. Preferredembodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0015] The present invention is based on the insight of providing a tapeguide, for guiding a component tape in a component mounting machine,with the ability to be releasably mounted, such that the loading and/orunloading of a component tape into and from the tape guide can beperformed away from the component mounting machine, and withidentification means for holding the identity of the tape guide.Preferably, the ability to be releasably mounted is achieved accordingto the present invention by providing a tape guide with locking meansfor ready and quick attachment and detachment to interacting lockingmeans in a component mounting machine, or in a tape magazine arrangedfor insertion into a component mounting machine, and guiding means forguiding a component tape.

[0016] By providing a tape guide with the ability to be loaded with acomponent tape away from a component mounting machine and to besubsequently loaded into the component mounting machine, a facilitatedloading of the component tape into the machine, a reduced downtime ofthe machine, and, thereby, an improved time efficiency of the entiremanufacturing process is achieved. This is due to the fact that thetime-consuming process of loading the component tape into a componentmounting machine, as described above with reference to known art, isreduced to simply placing a component tape reel into the tape holder ofa component mounting machine, and mounting a tape guide into themachine. The rest of the loading process is performed beforehand andaway from the component mounting machine. Thus, the downtime of thecomponent mounting machine due to the loading of a component tape islimited to the actual time for placing a tape reel into the machine, andfor loading a tape guide into the machine, which increases the timeefficiency of the machine considerably.

[0017] Furthermore, by providing the tape guide with identificationmeans, the tape guide identity can be associated with informationregarding the specific component tape that is, or is to be, loaded intothe tape guide. Hence, the identity of the tape guide will be the key tothe information that is essential to the component mounting machine,namely the type of components carried by the component tape.

[0018] According to the invention, the identity of the tape guide isassociated with information regarding the component tape that is loadedinto the tape guide. As mentioned above, this is performed away from themachine at any time before the attachment of the tape guide into thecomponent mounting machine, or into a tape guide magazine for subsequentinsertion into the machine. Thereby, the entering of information doesnot interfere with the loading of the component tape and the tape guideinto the machine.

[0019] Preferably, the component tape information is provided in theform of bar codes holding the necessary information. Said bar codes areadvantageously applied on the tape reel containing the component tape.Accordingly, the tape guide is preferably provided with a bar codeholding the identity of the tape guide. As evident to the man skilled inthe art, other forms of information holding means can of course be usedwithout departing from the inventive concept of the present invention.The association of the tape guide identity with the component tapeinformation is performed by simply reading the bar codes with a bar codereader and storing the identity together with the component tapeinformation.

[0020] According to an alternative embodiment, the bar codes of thecomponent tape, which can be one or a number of bar codes, are read by abar code reader and associated with an identity of the tape reel. A barcode can then be produced, relating only to the identity of thecomponent tape or tape reel. Thus, when loading the component tape intoa tape guide, only the identity of the component tape or tape reel hasto be associated with the tape guide identity, due to the fact that theidentity is associated with the component tape information.

[0021] According to the invention, the component tape informationcomprises information regarding which type of components that isprovided on the tape. Preferably, the information also contains thenumber of components provided on the tape. However, there is moreinformation regarding the component tape that can be useful for thecomponent mounting process. These data could for instance includecomponent tape identity, batch number, intended customer, manufacturerof the component tape or of the component, the width of the tape, thepitch of the tape, characteristics of the components on the tape, etc.The characteristics of the components could include resistance,manufacturing tolerances, etc.

[0022] According to the invention, the essential information regardingthe tape guide is the tape guide identity. However, this couldpreferably be associated with characteristics of the tape guide, e.g.width of tapes that can be loaded into the tape guide, type of exposuremeans, batch number, etc.

[0023] As described earlier, the tape guide is provided with the abilityto be quickly and readily attached and detached into and from thecomponent mounting machine, or a tape guide magazine. According to thepreferred embodiment of the invention, means holding information of theidentity of the tape guide is automatically connected to means providedin the machine, or in the magazine, for receiving that information, whenthe tape guide has been mounted into the machine, or the magazine. Thisis preferably performed by providing the tape guide with identificationmeans in the form of a circuit holding the identity of the tape guide.Said circuit can for instance be provided with contact surfaces, whichautomatically are connected to corresponding contact pins coupled toidentity reading means in the component mounting machine or in themagazine, whereby the identity of the tape guide is read by the machineor the magazine. Said connection could also be an optical connection, orany other suitable connection as realised by the man skilled in the art.

[0024] This means that the machine not only receives informationregarding the identity of the tape guide that has been mounted into themachine, but also has access to all information associated to theidentity of the tape guide. Furthermore, the machine can sense intowhich position in the machine the tape guide has been mounted. Thereby,there is no need for entering the position of the tape guide into themachine, which means that the risk of entering the wrong position iseliminated. Furthermore, there will never be any risk of mounting a tapeguide into the wrong position of the machine, and, when replacingseveral tape guides, the position into which the new tape guides aremounted are unimportant. This increases the flexibility of the mountingof tape guides into the machine and considerably reduces the risk ofmaking mistakes upon mounting of tape guides. Thus, the replacement andentering of component tapes into a machine can be more speedilyperformed and the downtime of the machine can be reduced.

[0025] When using a tape guide magazine, the position and identity ofeach tape guide mounted in the magazine are read by the tape guidemagazine. This information, i.e. the tape guide identity for eachposition in the magazine, is then transferred to the component mountingmachine when the magazine has been inserted into the machine.Alternatively, the information is relayed directly to the componentmounting machine, via a connection provided in the magazine, withoutactually being read by the magazine. Further, information regarding theidentity of the tape guide magazine can be added to the transferredinformation. This can be performed by any suitable means fortransferring information, as realised by the man skilled in the art, andwill therefore not be further described.

[0026] The required features of the tape guide for enabling the loadingof a component tape away from the machine and the subsequent loading ofthe tape guide, with the component tape, into the machine compriselocking means for ready and quick attachment and detachment of the tapeguide into and from the machine, and guiding means for correctly guidingthe component tape into the machine.

[0027] The locking means is provided for ready, quick and accuratemounting of the tape guide into the component mounting machine. Thelocking means of the tape guide is arranged for interaction withcorresponding locking means provided on the component mounting machine,thus providing both a correct positioning and a secure mounting of thetape guide. Preferably, the locking means is in the form of resilientlybiased snap-in locking means, e.g. in the form of a latch and a recessprovided on the tape guide interacting with axles provided on thecomponent mounting machine, or in the form of a catch and an axle,respectively, provided on the component mounting machine interactingwith corresponding protrusion and recess provided on the tape guide. Asrealised by a person skilled in the art, various types of snap-inlocking means, or other sorts of quick couplings, can be used for readyand quick attachment and detachment of the tape guide into and from acomponent mounting machine.

[0028] The guiding means is provided for guiding the component tape tothe correct position within the component mounting machine, such thatthe components to be picked by a pick-up head reaches the correctpicking position. The guiding means is preferably in the form ofopposing grooves extending from the distal end of the tape guide to theproximal end thereof.

[0029] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thetape guide is provided with component tape retaining means for retainingthe component tape such that the component tape is not accidentallydisplaced relative the tape guide, i.e. such that the tape guide can notmove along the length of the component tape when the component tape hasbeen loaded into the tape guide and before attachment of the tape guideinto, or after detachment of the tape guide from, the component mountingmachine, i.e. when the tape guide with the component tape is locatedaway from the component machine.

[0030] Thereby, following loading of the component tape into the tapeguide, and the related association of the component tape information tothe identity of the tape guide, the tape guide is prevented from beingaccidentally removed from, or accidentally moved along the length of,the component tape. Thereby, the component tape, contained on acomponent tape reel, can be stored together with and attached to thetape guide. It also ensures that the tape guide, following associationof the tape guide identity to the component tape information, is loadedwith the very component tape who's information has been associated withthe identity of said tape guide. A further advantage is that the numberof components remaining on the tape, as derived by the componentmounting machine in the manner described earlier, can be stored andretrieved by the machine when the component tape is re-loaded. Thisinformation can of course be retrieved by any component mounting machinehaving access to the same information.

[0031] As mentioned above, the retaining means preferably prevents thecomponent tape from being accidentally moved along the length of thetape guide. This ensures that when loading the component tape into thetape guide, the desired position of the component tape relative thecomponent mounting machine, and its parts, can be chosen. The chosenposition is then maintained until the component tape is deliberatelyreleased from the tape guide.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the invention, the tape guide isalso provided with means for exposing a component to be picked at apicking position. This exposure means comprises separating means forseparating and lifting a lateral portion of the cover from the componenttape, leaving the remaining portion of the cover at least partiallyattached to the component tape, and for bringing the lifted portion ofthe cover aside such that the component to be picked can be exposed.

[0033] The use of such separating means eliminates the need for meanshandling the cover tape after removal from the component tape since thecover remains attached to the component tape. Thereby, the loadingprocess is even further facilitated and the loading time is reduced,reducing the downtime of the mounting machine and positively effectingthe efficiency of the entire manufacturing process.

[0034] After the component tape has been loaded into the tape guide, thetape guide can be connected to the tape reel, according to an embodimentof the invention, by arranging holding means on the tape guide forattachment of the tape guide to a tape reel. Thereby, the component tapereel can not be unrolled, and the tape reel can easily be storedtogether with the tape guide for quick mounting into a componentmounting machine. According to an embodiment of the invention, theholding means comprises a clip for attachment of the tape guide to atape reel. According to an alternative embodiment, the holding meanscomprises a piece of Velcro® on the tape guide engaging a correspondingpiece of Velcro® provided on the tape reel. As realised by a personskilled in the art, various types of holding means are contemplatedwithout extending beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the body ofthe tape guide is formed by an elongated open-ended profile withopposing elongated walls, and a base connecting said elongated walls.The walls are provided with the above described guiding means forguiding the component tape. The base is provided with an opening forreceiving feeding means, provided in the component mounting machine orin a tape magazine arranged for insertion into the machine, forengagement with the component tape by protrusion through the opening andengagement with feeding holes provided on the component tape. Thus, thetape guide does not comprise any feeding mechanisms at all, whichsignificantly reduces the manufacturing costs for the tape guide. Italso reduces the size and weight of the tape guide, and facilitates thestoring of the tape guide together with and attached to a component tapecontained on a tape reel.

[0036] According to an aspect of the present invention, a tape magazineis provided for reception of at least one tape guide according to theinvention, the magazine being provided with the corresponding lockingmeans interacting with the locking means provided on the tape guide,said corresponding locking means otherwise being provided in thecomponent mounting machine, as described above. The tape magazine isfurther provided with means for receiving at least one tape reelprovided with a component tape, such that said reception can beperformed when the component tape of the tape reel is loaded into thetape guide, and feeding means for feeding the component tape(s) towardsthe picking position. As described earlier, the magazine is alsoprovided with means for receiving the identities of tape guides that aremounted into the magazine, along with means for transferring thisinformation to a component mounting machine. The tape magazine isinserted to, or mounted or attached to, the component mounting machineand forms an intermediate device between the tape guide, with the loadedcomponent tape and tape reel, and the component mounting machine, andfeeds the components to their respective picking position within themachine.

[0037] In the above and following description of the present invention,for the purposes of storing information, associating information,retrieving information, etc., as described above, use is made of atleast one database, to which the component mounting machine(s) haveaccess. However, since any suitable database can be used with theinvention, as realised by the man skilled in the art, the specifics ofthe database do not form part of the invention and will therefore not befurther described.

[0038] Further details and aspects of the invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention,reference being made to the accompanying drawings, wherein likereference numerals refer to similar parts throughout.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will become more fully understood from thedetailed description given hereinbelow and the accompanying drawingswhich are given by way of illustration only, and thus are not limitativeof the present invention, and wherein:

[0040]FIG. 1 is a schematic side view illustrating the principle ofloading a component tape in a component mounting machine according tothe state of the art;

[0041]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the tape guide accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0042]FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the tape guide of FIG. 2;

[0043]FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of the tape guide of FIG. 2 whenconnected to a tape guide magazine or a component mounting machine;

[0044]FIG. 5 is a top view illustration the tape guide according to anembodiment of the invention;

[0045]FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a tape reel and the tape guideaccording to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0046]FIGS. 7a and 7 b are schematic side views illustrating themounting of a tape guide according to an embodiment of the invention ina tape guide magazine or a component mounting machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0047] With reference to FIG. 1, there is shown in schematic form acomponent tape and parts of a component mounting machine according tothe state of the art. A component tape 1, comprising a carrier tape 2,provided with compartments 3 filled with components 6, and a cover tape4, is introduced into a feeding mechanism 8. The pins of the feedingmechanism 8 engage corresponding holes 5 provided in the carrier tape 2.The end of the cover tape 4 is removed from the carrier tape 2 and woundonto a winding hub 50, which is provided with a separate feedingmechanism (not shown). The cover tape 4 is brought past a first plate 54provided with a stripping edge, and the cover tape 4 is stretched by aseparate reel 52, applying pressure on the cover tape 4. A second plate56 is provided after the first plate 54 for preventing small components6, that can be electrostatically adhered to the cover tape 4, fromsticking to and following the removed portion of the cover tape 4 whensaid portion is fed away. The second plate 56 extends to a positionwhere the components 6 are picked by a pick-up head 7.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 2-4, preferred embodiments of a tape guideaccording to the present invention are illustrated. The tape guide 10comprises an elongated open-ended profile with opposing elongated walls12, 13 and a base (not shown) connecting the elongated walls 12, 13. Thewalls 12, 13 are provided with grooves 15, for facilitating insertion ofa component tape 1 and for guiding the component tape 1. The base isprovided with an opening 18 for enabling the pins of a feeding device 8,as shown in FIG. 4, provided in the component mounting machine or in atape magazine attached to the machine, to engage the holes 5 of thecarrier tape 2.

[0049] The tape guide 10 is removably mounted to a component mountingmachine, or a tape magazine, and can be removed together with thecomponent tape 1 when unloading the component tape 1 from the componentmounting machine. Therefore, the tape guide 10 is provided with a handle11 for facilitating the attachment and detachment of the tape guide intoand from the component mounting machine. Further, the tape guide 10 isprovided with locking means 25, 26 for enabling ready attachment anddetachment of the tape guide 10 to the component mounting machine. Thelocking means 25, 26 will be described below when referring to FIGS. 7aand 7 b.

[0050] According to the invention, the tape guide comprises firstidentification means 16, preferably in the form of a bar code providedon an adhesive label. The bar code 16 contains information regarding theidentity of the tape guide 10.

[0051] According to the most preferred embodiment of the invention, thetape guide also comprises second identification means 17 in the form ofan identification circuit. The identification circuit 17 holds the sameinformation regarding the identity of the tape guide 10 as the bar code16. The circuit 17 is provided with contact surfaces for connection tocontact pins provided on an identity receiving or reading circuit 47.The identity receiving circuit 47 is located in a tape guide magazine 40or in a component mounting machine. The connection between theidentification circuit 17 and the identity receiving circuit 47 isaccomplished when mounting the tape guide 10 into the magazine 40 or thecomponent mounting machine.

[0052] Using the method according to the invention, component tapeinformation is provided on the component tape reel 9 in the form of barcodes. The number of bar codes can vary from tape to tape, depending onthe information contained. When loading the component tape 1 into a tapeguide 10, the bar codes on the tape are read by a bar code reader. Then,the identity of the tape guide 10, also provided on a bar code 16, isread in the same manner. The identity of the tape guide 10 is thenassociated with the information of the component tape 1 and stored in adatabase. The component tape reel 9 can now be stored together with thetape guide 10 or be mounted in a tape magazine 40 or a componentmounting machine.

[0053] For ease of description, there will now be described the methodaccording to the invention when mounting the tape guide 10 into a tapeguide magazine 40. However, the tape guide 10 could be directly mountedinto a component mounting machine.

[0054] Following mounting of the tape guide 10 into a tape magazine 40,the position of the tape guide 10 in the magazine 40 is detected and theidentity of the tape guide 10 is received by the identity receivingmeans 47. Since a tape guide magazine 40 generally is arranged for thereception of a number of tape guides at different positions in themagazine, the magazine can be loaded with tape guides away from thecomponent mounting machine. When inserting the magazine into thecomponent mounting machine, means for transferring information betweenthe tape guide magazine and the component mounting machine areautomatically connected.

[0055] The transferred information comprises the identity of each tapeguide 10 along with the position in the tape guide magazine 40 whereeach tape guide 10 is positioned. The component mounting machine canthen retrieve all information that is associated with the tape guideidentity, i.e. both the component tape information and any tape guideinformation available. This information is retrieved from theabove-mentioned database, to which the component mounting machine hasaccess.

[0056] When picking components from the component tapes and mountingthem on a circuit board, each picked component is counted by thecomponent mounting machine, which relays this information to thedatabase, either continuously, at specific intervals, or when the tapeguide containing the component tape is removed from the componentmounting machine. Thus, the database can hold updated informationregarding the number of components contained on each component tape thathas been loaded into a tape guide. Other information relating to thecomponent tape that can be registered by the component mounting machine,and relayed to the database, could include number of faulty components,number of misplaced components, etc.

[0057] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the tape guide 10 isprovided with component tape retaining means 20 for preventingaccidental displacement of the component tape 1 along the tape guide 10.Said retaining means 20 are provided in order to prevent the componenttape 1 from being accidentally separated from the tape guide 10, whenthe tape guide 10 and the component tape 1 is not attached to acomponent mounting machine, or a tape magazine. According to a preferredembodiment of the invention, the retaining means comprises a flexiblesupport spring 20 and a counter support, preferably in the form of aseparating means 30 (described below in connection with FIG. 5), forinsertion of a component tape therebetween. The support spring 21 exertsa pressure on the component tape 1, pressing the carrier tape againstthe counter support. Thereby, due to the friction between the componenttape 1 and the retaining means 20, the component tape 1 is preventedfrom being accidentally displaced along the length of the tape guide 10,which means that the component tape 1 and the tape guide 10 remainsattached when the tape guide 10 is detached from the component mountingmachine. However, the friction power is insufficient to interfere withthe feeding action provided by the feeding means. The support spring 20also stabilises the component tape 1, such that vibrations are greatlyreduced.

[0058] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a particular embodimentof the present invention. According to this embodiment, the tape guideis provided with separating means 30 for separating and lifting alateral portion of the cover tape 4 from the carrier tape 2. Theseparating means 30 comprises a first section 31 and a second section34, the first section 31 comprising a tip portion 32, positioned at thedistal end of the separating means 30, and a body portion 33. The tipportion 32 extends distally from the body portion 33, has a laterallyand vertically rounded shape, and has an increased thickness in thedirection extending backwards from the distal end of the tip portion 32.

[0059] The body portion 33 is elongated and has an extension in theproximal direction. Thus, the body portion 33 forms a cover platepreventing the exposure of each component 6 until said component 6reaches the picking position. This will ensure that the components 6 cannot escape from their respective compartments 3. Furthermore, the firstsection 31 prevents small components, which might be electrostaticallyadhered to the cover tape 4, from sticking to and following the liftedportion of the cover tape 4.

[0060] The second section 34 is provided on the body portion 33 of thefirst section 31, and extends vertically from, and essentiallyperpendicular to, the first section 31. The separating means 30,according to this embodiment, is particularly well suited for covertapes that are provided with adhesive, or fused, areas 4 a, 4 b alongthe sides of the cover tape 4, as can be seen in FIG. 5. The separatingmeans 30 is supported by the tape guide 10 that ensures that the carriertape 2 is properly positioned relative the separating means 30 and thepick-up head 7.

[0061] When feeding the carrier tape 2 in the feeding direction, asshown by the arrow in FIG. 2, the tip portion 32 separates and lifts thecover tape 4, at the lateral centre of the cover tape 4, from thecarrier tape 2. The lateral extension of the body portion 33 to one sideensures that the corresponding side 4 b of the cover tape 4 is separatedfrom the carrier tape 2. The adhesive area 4 a provided on the otherside of the cover tape 4 is not affected by the separating means 30 andkeeps that side of the cover tape 4 attached to the carrier tape 2.Following the separation of a portion of the cover tape 4 from thecarrier tape 2, this portion is brought to an upright position, at leastat the picking position, by the second section 34. Thereby, thecomponents 6 are completely exposed at the picking position.

[0062] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tapeguide 10 is provided with holding means for attaching the tape guide 10to the tape reel 9. An example of this is shown in FIG. 6. Here the tapeguide 10 is provided with a clip 27 that ensures that the tape guide 10is not accidentally separated from the tape reel 9 after the componenttape 1 has been loaded into the tape guide 10. Thereby, the tape reel 9can not be unrolled, and the tape reel 9 can easily be stored togetherwith the tape guide 10 for quick mounting into a component mountingmachine. In an alternative embodiment the holding means is a piece ofVelcro® (not shown) for engagement with a corresponding piece of Velcro®provided on the tape reel.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 7a and 7 b, there is schematically shown anexample illustrating the quick and ready attachment of a tape guide 10into a magazine 40 of a component mounting machine, and the simultaneousconnection of the second identification means 17 to the identityreceiving means 47. In the figures, a tape reel 9 provided with acomponent tape 1 has already been loaded into the tape guide 10. Thetape guide 10 is provided with locking elements in the form of aprotrusion 25 and a recess 26 provided at opposite ends of the elongatedtape guide 10. These locking elements interact with correspondinglocking elements 45, 46 in the form of a catch lock 45 and an axle 46provided in the tape magazine 40. When loading the tape guide 10 intothe magazine 40 the recess 26 first engages the axle 46, then the tapeguide 10 is pivoted around the axle 46 such that the catch lock 45 goesinto engagement with the protrusion 25. At the same time, theidentification circuit 17 (as shown in FIG. 4) contacts the contact pinsof the identity receiving circuit 47. FIG. 7b shows the tape reel 9, thetape guide 10 and the tape magazine 40 after the tape guide 10 has beenloaded into the magazine 40. For removal of the tape guide 10 from thetape magazine 40, the catch lock 45 has to be released.

[0064] As apparent from this specification, the tape guide according tothe invention can be directly mounted into a component mounting machine,or mounted into a tape magazine, either when the tape magazine alreadyhas been inserted into a component mounting machine or before loading ofthe tape magazine into a component mounting machine.

[0065] The invention being thus described, it will be obvious that thesame may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regardedas a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all suchmodifications as would be obvious to one skilled in the art are intendedto be included within the scope of the following claims.

1. A method of transferring component tape information to a componentmounting machine, the component mounting machine comprising feedingmeans for feeding the component tape towards a picking position, themethod comprising the steps of: loading a component tape into a tapeguide, the component tape being provided with tape information meansassociated with component tape information and the tape guide comprisingfirst identification means associated with tape guide information;associating the identity of the tape guide with the information of thecomponent tape; mounting said tape guide into a component mountingmachine; and transferring information regarding the tape guide identity,associated with said component tape information and said tape guideinformation, from the tape guide to the component mounting machine byconnecting second identification means provided in the tape guide, saidsecond identification means holding information of the identity of thetape guide, to corresponding identity detecting means provided in thecomponent mounting machine.
 2. The method according to claim 1, whereinsaid second identifier is an identification circuit, and saidcorresponding identity detector is an identity receiving circuit.
 3. Themethod according to claim 1, wherein said step of transferringinformation is automatically accomplished when the tape guide has beenmounted into the component mounting machine.
 4. The method according toclaim 1, further comprising the step of sensing, following the mountingof the tape guide into the machine, the position in the machine at whichthe tape guide has been mounted.
 5. The method according to claim 1,wherein said step of associating comprises the steps of: reading theinformation of the component tape and the identity of the tape guide;and storing the information of the component tape together with theidentity of the tape guide.
 6. The method according to claim 5, whereinthe step of reading the identity of the tape guide and the informationof the component tape comprises the step of reading a bar code providedon the tape guide and a bar code provided on the component tape.
 7. Themethod according to claim 5, wherein the step of reading the identity ofthe tape guide and the information of the component tape comprises thestep of reading a bar code provided on the tape guide and a bar codeprovided on a tape reel containing the component tape.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 1, comprising the step of retrieving component tapeand tape guide information associated with the tape guide identity withthe component mounting machine.
 9. The method according to claim 1,wherein the component tape information comprises at least the type ofcomponents that are provided on the component tape.
 10. The methodaccording to claim 9, wherein the component tape information furthercomprises at least one of the group consisting of component tapeidentity, number of remaining components on the tape, batch number,intended customer, component tape manufacturer, tape width, pitch of thetape, and component characteristics.
 11. The method according to claim1, wherein the tape guide information comprises the identity of the tapeguide.
 12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the tape guideinformation comprises at least one of the group consisting of the tapeguide width, the width of tapes that can be received, type of exposuremeans, and batch number.
 13. A method of transferring component tapeinformation to a component mounting machine, the method comprising thesteps of: loading a component tape into a tape guide, the component tapebeing provided with tape information means associated with componenttape information and the tape guide comprising first identificationmeans associated with tape guide information; associating theinformation of the tape guide with the identity of the component tape;mounting said tape guide into a tape guide magazine, wherein themagazine comprises feeding means for feeding the component tape towardsa picking position, and wherein the magazine is arranged for thereception of a plurality of tape guides; inserting the tape guidemagazine into a component mounting machine, the machine being arrangedfor the reception of at least one magazine; transferring informationregarding the tape guide identity from the tape guide, via the magazine,to the component mounting machine by connecting second identificationmeans provided in the tape guide, said second identification meansholding information of the identity of the tape guide, to correspondingidentity detecting means, the component mounting machine thereby holdinginformation on the identity and position of the tape guide and saidassociated component tape and tape guide information.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 13, wherein said second identifier is anidentification circuit.
 15. The method according to claim 13, whereinsaid identity detecting means is an identity receiving circuit isprovided in the component mounting machine.
 16. The method according toclaim 13, further comprising the steps of: sensing the position in themagazine into which the tape guide has been mounted; transferringinformation regarding tape guide identity, associated with componenttape information, from the tape guide to the magazine by connecting saidsecond identification means to said identity detecting means, preferablyan identity receiving circuit, provided in the magazine; sensing, whenthe machine is arranged for receiving several magazines, the position inthe machine into which the magazine has been inserted; and transferringfor each position in the magazine information regarding the tape guideidentity from the magazine to the component mounting machine, thecomponent mounting machine thereby holding information on the identityand position of each tape guide and said associated component tape andtape guide information.
 17. The method according to claim 13, whereinsaid step of associating comprises the steps of: reading the informationof the component tape and the identity of the tape guide; and storingthe information of the component tape together with the identity of thetape guide.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the step ofreading the identity of the tape guide and the information of thecomponent tape comprises the step of reading a bar code provided on thetape guide and a bar code provided on the component tape.
 19. The methodaccording to claim 17, wherein the step of reading the identity of thetape guide and the information of the component tape comprises the stepof reading a bar code provided on the tape guide and a bar code providedon a tape reel containing the component tape.
 20. The method accordingto claim 13, comprising the step of retrieving component tape and tapeguide information associated with the tape guide identity with thecomponent mounting machine.
 21. The method according to claim 13,wherein the component tape information comprises at least the type ofcomponents that are provided on the component tape.
 22. The methodaccording to claim 21, wherein the component tape information furthercomprises at least one of the group consisting of component tapeidentity, number of remaining components on the tape, batch number,intended customer, component tape manufacturer, tape width, pitch of thetape, and component characteristics.
 23. The method according to claim13, wherein the tape guide information comprises the identity of thetape guide.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the tape guideinformation comprises at least one of the group consisting of the tapeguide width, the width of tapes that can be received, type of exposuremeans, and batch number.
 25. A tape guide for guiding a component tapein a component mounting machine, the component tape carrying componentspositioned in sequence and covered by a cover, the tape guide comprisingfirst and second identification means holding information of theidentity of the tape guide, said second identification means beingarranged for connection to identity receiving means in a tape guidemagazine arranged for insertion into the component mounting machine,locking means for enabling ready attachment and detachment of the tapeguide to the tape guide magazine comprising component tape feedingmeans, and guiding means for guiding the component tape.
 26. The tapeguide according to claim 25, wherein the second identification means isa circuit mounted on a tape guide board connectable to said identityreceiving means.
 27. The tape guide according claim 25, wherein thefirst identification means is a bar code provided on the tape guide. 28.The tape guide according to claim 25, wherein the tape guide is formedby an elongated open-ended profile with opposing elongated wallsprovided with said guiding means for guiding the component tape, and abase connecting said elongated walls.
 29. The tape guide according toclaim 25, wherein the tape guide comprises component tape retainingmeans for retaining the position of the component tape relative the tapeguide.
 30. The tape guide according to claim 25, wherein the tape guideis arranged for reception of feeding means provided at the tape guidemagazine for feeding the component tape towards a picking position. 31.The tape guide according to claim 25, wherein said locking means isarranged for interaction in a snap-in arrangement with correspondinglocking means provided in the tape guide magazine.
 32. The tape guideaccording to claim 25, further comprising holding means for enablingattachment of the tape guide to a component tape reel.
 33. The tapeguide according to claim 25, wherein the tape guide comprises exposuremeans for exposing the components at a picking position, wherein theexposure means comprises separating means for separating and lifting alateral portion of the cover from the component tape, leaving theremaining portion of the cover at least partially attached to thecomponent tape, and for bringing the lifted portion of the cover aside.34. A tape guide for guiding a component tape in a component mountingmachine, the component tape carrying components positioned in sequenceand covered by a cover, the tape guide comprising first and secondidentification means holding information of the identity of the tapeguide, said second identification means being arranged for connection toidentity receiving means in the component mounting machine, lockingmeans for enabling ready attachment and detachment of the tape guide tothe component mounting machine comprising component tape feeding means,and guiding means for guiding the component tape.
 35. The tape guideaccording to claim 34, wherein the second identification means is acircuit mounted on a tape guide board connectable to said identityreceiving means.
 36. The tape guide according claim 34, wherein thefirst identification means is a bar code provided on the tape guide. 37.The tape guide according to claim 34, wherein the tape guide is formedby an elongated open-ended profile with opposing elongated wallsprovided with said guiding means for guiding the component tape, and abase connecting said elongated walls.
 38. The tape guide according toclaim 34, wherein the tape guide comprises component tape retainingmeans for retaining the position of the component tape relative the tapeguide.
 39. The tape guide according to claim 34, wherein the tape guideis arranged for reception of feeding means provided at the componentmounting machine for feeding the component tape towards a pickingposition.
 40. The tape guide according to claim 34, wherein said lockingmeans is arranged for interaction in a snap-in arrangement withcorresponding locking means provided in the component mounting machine.41. The tape guide according to claim 34, further comprising holdingmeans for enabling attachment of the tape guide to a component tapereel.
 42. The tape guide according to claim 34, wherein the tape guidecomprises exposure means for exposing the components at a pickingposition, wherein the exposure means comprises separating means forseparating and lifting a lateral portion of the cover from the componenttape, leaving the remaining portion of the cover at least partiallyattached to the component tape, and for bringing the lifted portion ofthe cover aside.
 43. The combination of a tape magazine, at least onetape guide according to claim 24 and at least one reel provided with acomponent tape carrying components, wherein the tape magazine isprovided with identity receiving means connectable to secondidentification means provided on the tape guide.
 44. The combinationaccording to claim 43, wherein the tape magazine is arranged forinsertion into a component mounting machine, said magazine beingarranged for transferring information regarding the identity and theposition in the magazine of said at least one tape guide to informationreceiving means provided in the component mounting machine.
 45. A methodof transferring component tape information to a component mountingmachine, the component mounting machine comprising a feeding mechanismfor feeding the component tape towards a picking position, the methodcomprising the steps of: loading a component tape into a tape guide, thecomponent tape being provided with a tape information carrier associatedwith component tape information and the tape guide comprising a firstidentifier associated with tape guide information; associating theidentity of the tape guide with the information of the component tape;mounting said tape guide into a component mounting machine; andtransferring information regarding the tape guide identity, associatedwith said component tape information and said tape guide information,from the tape guide to the component mounting machine by connecting asecond identifier provided in the tape guide, said second identifierholding information of the identity of the tape guide, to acorresponding identity detector provided in the component mountingmachine.
 46. The method according to claim 45, wherein said secondidentifier is an identification circuit, and said corresponding identitydetector is an identity receiving circuit.
 47. The method according toclaim 45, wherein said step of transferring information is automaticallyaccomplished when the tape guide has been mounted into the componentmounting machine.
 48. The method according to claim 45, furthercomprising the step of sensing, following the mounting of the tape guideinto the machine, the position in the machine at which the tape guidehas been mounted.
 49. The method according to claim 45, wherein saidstep of associating comprises the steps of: reading the information ofthe component tape and the identity of the tape guide; and storing theinformation of the component tape together with the identity of the tapeguide.
 50. The method according to claim 49, wherein the step of readingthe identity of the tape guide and the information of the component tapecomprises the step of reading a bar code provided on the tape guide anda bar code provided on the component tape.
 51. The method according toclaim 49, wherein the step of reading the identity of the tape guide andthe information of the component tape comprises the step of reading abar code provided on the tape guide and a bar code provided on a tapereel containing the component tape.
 52. The method according to claim45, further comprising the step of retrieving component tape and tapeguide information associated with the tape guide identity with thecomponent mounting machine.
 53. The method according to claim 45,wherein the component tape information comprises at least the type ofcomponents that are provided on the component tape.
 54. The methodaccording to claim 53, wherein the component tape information furthercomprises at least one of the group consisting of component tapeidentity, number of remaining components on the tape, batch number,intended customer, component tape manufacturer, tape width, pitch of thetape, and component characteristics.
 55. The method according to claim45, wherein the tape guide information comprises the identity of thetape guide.
 56. The method according to claim 55, wherein the tape guideinformation comprises at least one of the group consisting of the tapeguide width, the width of tapes that can be received, a type of exposuremechanism, and batch number.
 57. A method of transferring component tapeinformation to a component mounting machine, the method comprising thesteps of: loading a component tape into a tape guide, the component tapebeing provided with a tape information carrier associated with componenttape information and the tape guide comprising a first identifierassociated with tape guide information; associating the information ofthe tape guide with the identity of the component tape; mounting saidtape guide into a tape guide magazine, wherein the magazine comprises afeeding mechanism for feeding the component tape towards a pickingposition, and wherein the magazine is arranged for the reception of aplurality of tape guides; inserting the tape guide magazine into acomponent mounting machine, the machine being arranged for the receptionof at least one magazine; transferring information regarding the tapeguide identity from the tape guide, via the magazine, to the componentmounting machine by connecting a second identifier provided in the tapeguide, said second identifier holding information of the identity of thetape guide, to a corresponding identity detector, the component mountingmachine thereby holding information on the identity and position of thetape guide and said associated component tape and tape guideinformation.
 58. The method according to claim 57, wherein said secondidentifier is an identification circuit.
 59. The method according toclaim 57, wherein said identity detector is an identity receivingcircuit provided in the component mounting machine.
 60. The methodaccording to claim 57, further comprising the steps of: sensing theposition in the magazine into which the tape guide has been mounted;transferring information regarding tape guide identity, associated withcomponent tape information, from the tape guide to the magazine byconnecting said second identifier to said identity detector provided inthe magazine; sensing, when the machine is arranged for receivingseveral magazines, the position in the machine into which the magazinehas been inserted; and transferring for each position in the magazineinformation regarding the tape guide identity from the magazine to thecomponent mounting machine, the component mounting machine therebyholding information on the identity and position of each tape guide andsaid associated component tape and tape guide information.
 61. Themethod according to claim 57, wherein said step of associating comprisesthe steps of: reading the information of the component tape and theidentity of the tape guide; and storing the information of the componenttape together with the identity of the tape guide.
 62. The methodaccording to claim 61, wherein the step of reading the identity of thetape guide and the information of the component tape comprises the stepof reading a bar code provided on the tape guide and a bar code providedon the component tape.
 63. The method according to claim 61, wherein thestep of reading the identity of the tape guide and the information ofthe component tape comprises the step of reading a bar code provided onthe tape guide and a bar code provided on a tape reel containing thecomponent tape.
 64. The method according to claim 57, comprising thestep of retrieving component tape and tape guide information associatedwith the tape guide identity with the component mounting machine. 65.The method according to claim 57, wherein the component tape informationcomprises at least the type of components that are provided on thecomponent tape.
 66. The method according to claim 65, wherein thecomponent tape information further comprises at least one of t he groupconsisting of component tape identity, number of remaining components onthe tape, batch number, intended customer, component tape manufacturer,tape width, pitch of the tape, and component characteristics.
 67. Themethod according to claim 57, wherein the tape guide informationcomprises the identity of the tape guide.
 68. The method according toclaim 67, wherein the tape guide information comprises at least one ofthe group consisting of the tape guide width, the width of tapes thatcan be received, a type of exposure mechanism, and batch number.
 69. Atape guide for guiding a component tape in a component mounting machine,the component tape carrying components positioned in sequence andcovered by a cover, the tape guide comprising first and secondidentifiers holding information of the identity of the tape guide, saidsecond identifier being arranged for connection to an identity receiverin a tape guide magazine arranged for insertion into the componentmounting machine, a lock for enabling ready attachment and detachment ofthe tape guide to the tape guide magazine comprising a component tapefeeding mechanism, and a guide for guiding the component tape.
 70. Thetape guide according to claim 69, wherein the second identifier is acircuit mounted on a tape guide board connectable to said identityreceiver.
 71. The tape guide according claim 69, wherein the firstidentifier is a bar code provided on the tape guide.
 72. The tape guideaccording to claim 69, wherein the tape guide is formed by an elongatedopen-ended profile with opposing elongated walls provided with saidguide for guiding the component tape, and a base connecting saidelongated walls.
 73. The tape guide according to claim 69, wherein thetape guide comprises a component tape retainer for retaining theposition of the component tape relative the tape guide.
 74. The tapeguide according to claim 69, wherein the tape guide is arranged forreception of a feeding mechanism provided at the tape guide magazine forfeeding the component tape towards a picking position.
 75. The tapeguide according to claim 69, wherein said lock is arranged forinteraction in a snap-in arrangement with a corresponding lock providedin the tape guide magazine.
 76. The tape guide according to claim 69,further comprising a holder for enabling attachment of the tape guide toa component tape reel.
 77. The tape guide according to claim 69, whereinthe tape guide comprises an exposure mechanism for exposing thecomponents at a picking position, wherein the exposure mechanismcomprises a separator for separating and lifting a lateral portion ofthe cover from the component tape, leaving the remaining portion of thecover at least partially attached to the component tape, and forbringing the lifted portion of the cover aside.
 78. A tape guide forguiding a component tape in a component mounting machine, the componenttape carrying components positioned in sequence and covered by a cover,the tape guide comprising first and second identifiers holdinginformation of the identity of the tape guide, said second identifierbeing arranged for connection to an identity receiver in the componentmounting machine, a lock for enabling ready attachment and detachment ofthe tape guide to the component mounting machine comprising a componenttape feeding mechanism, and a guide for guiding the component tape. 79.The tape guide according to claim 78, wherein the second identifier is acircuit mounted on a tape guide board connectable to said identityreceiver.
 80. The tape guide according claim 78, wherein the firstidentifier is a bar code provided on the tape guide.
 81. The tape guideaccording to claim 78, wherein the tape guide is formed by an elongatedopen-ended profile with opposing elongated walls provided with saidguide for guiding the component tape, and a base connecting saidelongated walls.
 82. The tape guide according to claim 78, wherein thetape guide comprises a component tape retainer for retaining theposition of the component tape relative the tape guide.
 83. The tapeguide according to claim 78, wherein the tape guide is arranged forreception of a feeding mechanism provided at the component mountingmachine for feeding the component tape towards a picking position. 84.The tape guide according to claim 78, wherein said lock is arranged forinteraction in a snap-in arrangement with a corresponding lock providedin the component mounting machine.
 85. The tape guide according to claim78, further comprising a holder for enabling attachment of the tapeguide to a component tape reel.
 86. The tape guide according to claim78, wherein the tape guide comprises an exposure mechanism for exposingthe components at a picking position, wherein the exposure mechanismcomprises a separator for separating and lifting a lateral portion ofthe cover from the component tape, leaving the remaining portion of thecover at least partially attached to the component tape, and forbringing the lifted portion of the cover aside.
 87. The combination of atape magazine, at least one tape guide according to claim 69 and atleast one reel provided with a component tape carrying components,wherein the tape magazine is provided with an identity receiverconnectable to a second identifier provided on the tape guide.
 88. Thecombination according to claim 87, wherein the tape magazine is arrangedfor insertion into a component mounting machine, said magazine beingarranged for transferring information regarding the identity and theposition in the magazine of said at least one tape guide to aninformation receiver provided in the component mounting machine.